Air Waves Portrush is ready for take off

Times Reporter

One of Northern Ireland’s much-loved coastal resorts will mark the end of the 2015 summer season this weekend with the largest airshow on the island of Ireland.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council are expecting over 100,000 spectators to descend upon Portrush’s eastern shoreline for two days of thrilling flying displays by some of the world’s most famous aviation attractions.

The stellar line-up for Air Waves Portrush, running on Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th September 2015, will include the world-famous RAF Red Arrows (on both days) who will perform their trademark formations, close-passes and dynamic loops.

The last airworthy Sally B, B-17 Bomber, made famous in the 1989 film Memphis Belle will make an appearance on the Saturday of the show. The renowned SAAB Viggen jet fighter ‘Thunderbolt’, one of the most iconic single seat strike fighters will make its first ever display on this side of the Irish Sea on the second day of the show.

The Vulcan XH558 is the only flying Vulcan in the world and this exclusive appearance at Portrush will be its last on the island of Ireland before being permanently grounded in September.

Looking forward to this weekend’s show, Richard Baker, Director of Leisure & Development, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “Air Waves Portrush is a signature event for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and it’s an event that captures the imagination of the Northern Ireland population.

“We are expecting over 100,000 spectators to attend the show over the two days and they will certainly not be disappointed with the show’s strongest line-up for years.

Other aerial highlights will include the RAF Typhoon jet, two RAF Hawk jets, Wild Geese Parachute Display Team, the Blades Display Team, Autogyro, and the Royal Navy Sea King Helicopter will be making its last ever flight.

Family fun is the focus for ground-based activities which include a play zone, the Motor Village, vintage aircraft display, 6 helicopters on static display, Star Wars characters, artisan marketplace, and the very best of North Coast hospitality.

Richard adds: “With huge crowds anticipated on both days to mark the end of the 2015 summer season, we are working closely with the PSNI and Translink to ensure we minimise traffic congestion as much as possible.

“Translink is providing additional capacity on trains and buses and we would encourage as many visitors as possible to use these services. “

For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or search for Air Waves Portrush on social media.